Vacuum keeps clogging

[mllc]

Hi guys, I've got a kenmore progressive canister that I've been hoping would die since I bought it 2 years ago. Recently I've had the vac over at my moms place doing a spring cleanup, turning the basement back into a finished space instead of the dusty storage shed its been for the past few years. I started noticing that after sucking up all the cobwebs from the ceiling joists, the vac would clog and check bag light would come on. I shook the hose out...nothing, I ran a drain snake down it, and took out some dust and hair, then the vac worked fine for a couple hours. Then it got clogged again, so this time I took the hose outside and used a powerful leaf blower to blow out a ball of dust and dog hair, and it once again worked for little bit, but now the vac clogs within minutes of unclogging it. I can't figure it out, I don't know if the hose is damaged or if the motor is starting to go. It gets several hours of use every week, as I clean my place daily, and bring it to my moms every couple days (that's the trade for her watching my dogs while I work).

Any ideas?

 

[suckolux]

sounds like low air flow to hose

 

[electromatik]

Couple hours would be quite a workout for any vacuum. You stated you used it for a while then it clogged. You unclogged it and it worked for two more hours. That would cause many vacuums to overheat, especially running it on high. If it has been regularly used that much the motor could be getting ready to fizzle out. On the other hand, have you paid attention to what you are vacuuming? Is it really fine material? That could clog a bag much faster. You should check your filters too and see if there is an accumulation of material around it. Also, if you are suctioning that much up with two hours of vacuuming, the bag may be ready to be changed. Dog hair ruined one of my mother's vacuums (a Hoover). It seemed to struggle getting air through the bag or something because it burned out within 2 years. If your hose is clear and your bag isn't jammed, then it is a problem with the machine itself somewhere most likely. A good cleaning inside might help it but you said you wished it to die so I'd just get rid of it and get another if it were me.

 

[electromatik]

By the by, since you said you DID find a ball of hair/dust in the hose, your suction is low. If it cannot move air through the hose effectively, the motor is going, there is a leak somewhere, or something is lodged in it. I don't fix stuff myself, I'm no mechanic so if I had that problem I would have to take it to a shop. haha

 

[dysonman1]

Remove the hose from the vacuum. Hold it vertically. Drop a nickle or penny into one end of the hose. If the hose is clear, the nickle will fall through the hose and come out the other end. If it doesn't, shake the hose and that's where the clog is within the hose. Could be a toothpick stuck sideways or something like that. If the nickle falls all the way through, it's the bag's pores that are clogged and you will have very low airflow. Change the bag and RINSE THE FILTER. Very few people with Kenmore canisters clean the pre-motor filter at all.

 

[durango159]

Kenmores, even the new ones have great suction. Do as Dysonman1 says. My guess is that your premotor filter is clogged. Also check exhaust filter on back or top of machine-- depending on model. It would be behind a pull up door. The Kenmore Q style cloth type HEPA bags are the best. Fine dusts and powders will clog any vacuum and greatly reduce its suction as it clogs bag pores.

I also noticed that you've been hoping the vacuum would die for the past 2 years since you got it. Have you thought about selling it on Craigslist and looking into something else?

I might also suggest taking your vacuum to your local vacuum repair shop. They might take your machine in and offer a discount towards a brand new or refurbished machine in their store. Many vacuum shops sell some refurbished models that they have cleaned and fixed up for retail. You could very well end up with a great Electrolux, Miele, Riccar, Simplicity, Hoover or other great Hoover canister vacuum.

I definitely recommend staying with a canister vacuum. I find their versatility so much better and more durable than most uprights.
--Ease of attachment use, easy maneuverability, low profile head design, powerful 2 motor systems, wide variety of attachments, fantastic for vacuuming steps, car interiors, garage and attic cleanout, cleaning under beds and so many other chores much better than an upright. I have owned several canister vacuums over the years and have been extremely pleased with their carpet cleaning abilities, more so than many uprights I've used, including Kirby.

I definitely recommend looking into Riccar, Simplicity, Miele, Royal Lexon SR30020. If you're looking for more of a budget/ value priced machine I would look at the Panasonic MC-CG902, Panasonic MC-CG917 along with any refurbed units available at different vacuum repair shops in your area. Sometimes eBay has a great deal for machines as well. Just depends on your budget and what you're searching for.

 

[mllc]

Well, I replaced the bag, which was only about 2/3 full, I always use the cloth hepa bags, which are ridiculously oversized for the bag compartment. I washed the pre filter, and the hepa filter is a little dirty, but so much air leaks from around it, I don't think it makes any difference. The vac still clogs, I was able to get through vacuuming my living room (which I do daily, so nothing more than some dog hair) but then went to do the car (a weekly routine) and it started to act up. I blew it out again, and there was nothing in it, I dropped a few marble down the hose, and they came out just fine. I've been looking at the miele s8 cat and dog edition, or maybe the aerus lux legacy, any idea on the price of that? I need good filtration and I would prefer an electric upholstery tool instead of the miele ans sebo's air driven one.